20 Feb 2025

There is  urgent need for a consistent commitment to rehabilitation programmes that address the psychological and social needs of inmates.

This was said by Assistant Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Augustine Nyatanga  during a consultative meeting at Selibe Phikwe Prisons on Tuesday.

Mr Nyatanga highlighted that acknowledging these needs was vital for effective rehabilitation and for affirming the inherent value of each individual. 

He stressed the importance of cultivating an understanding that fostered personal growth and robust rehabilitation strategies.

“Rehabilitation should not just be a programme; it is a fundamental responsibility we owe to those entrusted to our care. By understanding the complex psychological and social challenges inmates face, we can develop targeted interventions that will help them reintegrate successfully into society,” he said.

He noted that engaging with inmates, listening to their stories, and understanding their backgrounds was crucial in showing respect and value for them. This approac, he said could  play a significant role in breaking the cycle of crime and incarceration

Assistant minister also said the meeting also served as an appreciation for the efforts made by prison officials in rehabilitating and reintegrating inmates back into society. 

He highlighted the necessity of recognising inmates’ human rights within correctional services, urging officials to embrace the transition from a punitive prison service to a more rehabilitative correctional service model.

He said, “Prisons should not be viewed simply as places of punishment; rather, they should be conducive environments fostering personal growth and preparing inmates to become productive members of society upon completing their sentences.”

Mr Nyatanga said  everyone, regardless of their past, deserved a chance to rebuild their lives, asserting that prioritising rehabilitation would empower inmates and contribute positively to community safety and well-being.

As such, he said  ministry continues to refine its approach to correctional services, the call for enhanced rehabilitation programmes remains paramount to ensure a successful reintegration process for inmates.

Senior Superintendent Muni Baopedi of Selibe Phikwe Prisons said that the facility was currently overpopulated, housing 307 inmates instead of the intended 284. He identified the most common offenses among inmates, with 72 convicted of rape, followed by 57 for stock theft and 46 for murder. To combat this, he shared that murder and rape offenders were enroled in the gender-based violence perpetrators programme to reduce recidivism.

For his part, one of the inmates, Onalethata Toteng expressed gratitude for governmental efforts aimed at aiding their rehabilitation but voiced concerns regarding visiting hours, suggesting that they should be extended to weekends for the convenience of visitors who were occupied during the week. 

He also urged for a reevaluation of presidential parole policies, arguing that some inmates sentenced for serious offenses often do not benefit from parole even when they have only a few years left to serve. ends